319-buyer delegates from 228-organisations across the world have registered to participate in the PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2010. The PTM is Asia-Pacific’s premier travel trade show, to be held in September 14-17 in Macau SAR.

All of this year’s buyer delegates have been carefully vetted by the independent Buyer Selection Committee to maximise the potential for successful contracting opportunities for PTM2010 Sellers.

While the largest percentage of buyers still hails from Europe, there has been a marked increase in the number of buyer delegates from emerging markets such as China, Russia and India. According to Regis Morvan, general director, RM Consultants, Russia’s outbound tourist numbers are growing dramatically, with two million Russians going abroad in Q1 of 2010 alone – a 44% increase over the same time last year. In addition, sellers from niche destinations such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka and numerous Pacific islands will be well represented, offering buyers exclusive opportunities to gain a foothold in these markets.

Continuing its focus on sustainable tourism in the Asia Pacific region, PATA is also offering a number of seminars at PTM 2010, including:

* A full-day seminar on September 14 entitled ‘HR Challenges in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Promoting Industry and Academia Collaboration’, hosted by the PATA Education and Training Committee, with support from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel & Tourism Management and the Institute For Tourism Studies (Macao SAR)
* Two luncheon workshops – ‘Designing Dream Experiences’, a workshop presenting the latest research on experiential tourism (September 15), and ‘CSR for Travel and Tourism’ (September 16)
* Four breakfast case studies – on September 16, 2010 PATA Grand Awards for Marketing and for Environment; and on September 17 for Heritage & Culture and Education & Training

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This year’s Travel Mart promises to be bigger and better than ever. Said Sheila Leong, deputy chief executive and head – office of marketing services, PATA: “I am so happy with the tremendous amount of support we have received for PTM2010. Such positivity can only serve as proof of PATA Travel Mart’s continued role as the region’s premier business contracting and networking event, both for our members and the wider Asia Pacific tourism industry.”

Said Arjun Sharma, vice chairman, PATA India Chapter: “At PATA India, we are not surprised that the Indian contingent at the PATA Travel Mart 2010 is one of the largest from any countries. Least affected by the global recession, India is the fourth largest economy of the world. Indian travellers have created an explosive outbound market, and buyer numbers have gone up exponentially this year.

“India continues to be an exciting year round destination with growing infrastructure and excellent world class hotels. Its product diversity and ancient civilisation offers the visitor myriad experiences. India has been listed as a rising star – a country likely to become a major tourist destination in the coming years. Sellers are on their way to Macau to garner more business. The Indian pavilion which promises to be prominent is a symbol of the proactive and strong public–private partnership that the Indian tourism industry enjoys.

“We at the PATA India Chapter continue in our efforts to make the PATA platform a valuable asset to our members and look forward to PTM – PATA’s annual signature event. We are also greatly looking forward to India hosting the PTM 2011 in New Delhi next September.”